GPA teams with nature to protect water quality

Wetlands project unveiled in honor of Earth Day

The Georgia Ports Authority celebrated Earth Day 2014 by unveiling nearly 14 acres of recently created wetlands. The 2.5 year, $3.7 million project treats 100 million gallons of water annually and creates natural wildlife habitat in the heart of the nation’s fourth busiest container terminal.

The new wetlands form an aquatic system composed of native vegetation including bald cypress, cord grass and soft rush. The area supports diverse wildlife including fish, amphibians and birds such as anhingas, great blue herons and belted kingfishers.

The wetlands harness natural filtering processes to help protect water quality in the Savannah River, while also providing flood control.